Cajun Shrimp & Scallops 🌶️🍤🦪🔥 Bold, Smoky, and Southern-Inspired Surf & Turf

This dish brings together juicy shrimp and tender scallops, seared with smoky Cajun seasoning and finished in a buttery pan sauce.

It’s quick to make, full of spice, and perfect served with rice, grits, or pasta.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the seafood

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb sea scallops (about 12–16 large)
• 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood stock)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for finishing)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: splash of cream or hot sauce for richness/heat

Step 1: Prep the seafood

Pat shrimp and scallops very dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the scallops

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops in a single layer without crowding. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp

Add remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with scallops.

Step 4: Make the sauce

Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with lemon juice and broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes. Stir in butter and parsley to finish.

Step 5: Combine and serve

Return shrimp and scallops to the skillet, tossing in the Cajun butter sauce. Serve immediately over rice, grits, or pasta.

Flavor Variations

• Add sliced andouille sausage for a heartier Cajun surf & turf
• Stir in a splash of cream for a creamy Cajun sauce
• Swap parsley for cilantro and add lime juice for a Cajun-Tex-Mex fusion
• Garnish with green onions for extra freshness

Pro Tips

• Dry seafood thoroughly — moisture prevents searing
• Use a cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet for the best crust
• Don’t overcook shrimp; they turn rubbery quickly
• Serve immediately so seafood stays juicy and tender

Final Thoughts

Cajun Shrimp & Scallops are bold, smoky, and spicy — the perfect Southern-inspired surf & turf. Quick enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for entertaining.

Season it. Sear it. Savor the Cajun heat. 🌶️🍤🦪🔥

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

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• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
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